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Detecting Oral Cancer With VELscope™

by TLC Dentistry · published April 16, 2015 · Last updated April 16, 2015 · 3 min read What Is Oral Cancer? It is estimated that 34,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Unfortunately, only 50 percent of these people will live more than five years after their diagnosis. The reason many people die from oral cancer is because it is often diagnosed in the later stages. In many cases, oral cancer starts at the basement of the mouth. The cancer has often spread to other parts of the body by the time that the cancer is diagnosed. It is estimated that one person dies every hour from oral cancer. The death rate from oral cancer is higher than cervical cancer, skin cancer and thyroid cancer. There are approximately 450,000 oral cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. One of the most common signs of oral cancer is a sore in the mouth that does not heal. It is important to seek medical help if the sore does not heal within 14 days. Oral cancer can also cause swelling and bleeding in the mouth, a sore throat, earaches and difficulty swallowing and chewing. Additionally, people who wear dentures may notice a change in the way that their dentures fit. There are many things that can increase the risk of oral cancer. Some of those things include heavy drinking, smoking and having a previous cancer diagnosis. People who have the humanpapilloma virus are also at a greater risk for developing oral cancer. Men are at a higher risk for developing oral cancer than women. In fact, it is estimated that there are two men diagnosed with oral cancer for every woman diagnosed with oral cancer. People who are over the age of 40 are also at a greater risk for developing oral cancer. It is estimated that oral cancer makes up about two percent of the cancers diagnosed in people today. Researchers estimate that about one percent of people who are born today will develop oral cancer during their lifetime. It is important to note that oral cancer is not a contagious illness. One of the best things that can be done to prevent this illness is to avoid smoking. It is estimated that 75 percent of people who develop oral cancer are smokers. Limiting alcohol consumption can also decrease the risk of oral cancer. While the oral cancer statistics may seem grim, it is important to note that oral cancer is curable if it is diagnosed in the early stages. In fact, oral cancer has a 80 percent chance of being cured. How Oral Cancer Can Be Detected With A VELscope A trip to the dentist helps save lives. Dentists are now trained to use a VELscope to locate the disease tissue. A VELscope is a device that involves using a blue light to absorb molecules inside of the mouth. This is a very safe and painless exam. It can also be completed in just a few minutes. If the tissue in the mouth is normal and healthy, then it will be a pale green color. However, the tissue will appear black or dark green. Your dentist will discuss the next steps that you need to take if the VELscope detects abnormal tissue. VELscope technology allows the dentist to pinpoint areas of concern earlier than ever before. You will be able to have peace of mind knowing that your exam shows the tissue in your mouth is normal. If you are interested in getting an examination with a VELscope, then you should definitely consider contacting TLC Dentistry. TLC Dentistry is committed to giving patients the best care possible. One of the ways that they offer high-quality care is by using VELscope technology.